Ecclesiastes 12:9-14
ECCLESIASTES STUDY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What stood out to you from our study of Ecclesiastes 12:9-14 and why?
In Ecclesiastes 12:9 and 10, Solomon says he used meticulous care in crafting his words in order to speak the words of truth. His aim all along has been to lift our eyes from under the sun to God who sits over the sun. But he wrote and taught in a very unique way. What is a goad, and how does that help us understand what Solomon is doing in the book of Ecclesiastes?
Why do we need such blunt and sharp poking and prodding to lift our eyes over the sun to God? Why do we need “nails firmly fixed” in a post-truth, broken, and fallen world?
While there is endless wisdom to be gleaned in the world, what does Solomon say in Ecclesiastes 12:12a about the wisdom we receive from the Spirit in Ecclesiastes? What does that say about the value and treasure of God’s word and wisdom?
What is Solomon’s overarching aim and instruction according to Ecclesiastes 12:13? Why is exalting and trusting God above all things and walking in faithful obedience to him the chief end of man? What does “fear God and keep his commandments” teach us about ourselves?
How does verse 13 summarize the whole book of Ecclesiastes and the gospel (cf. Mark 1:14-15)? Why is the order of “fear God and keep his commandments” important? What happens if we reverse them?
What future reality has informed Solomon’s way of living and the wisdom he provides (cf., vs 14)? How does that future event resolve any concerns Solomon has about the brokenness and vanity of this world?
How does the One Shepherd of the wind, waves, and world give us hope here and now under the sun? How does his faithful obedience enable ours? How does the judgment he received give us peace? How does his future judgment on sin give us hope here and now?
What is one key takeaway from our study in Ecclesiastes 12:9-14 that you will try to remember and apply this week?
What has been the most encouraging thing you’ve learned or received from our study of Ecclesiastes?
